guidance.

“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4

The previous verse tells us that Nehemiah had just found out that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates were burned with fire. He was sorrowful, sat down, and wept.

Just a few minutes ago, I was doing the same. I was crying over a build up of things, and I was just weeping and praying before the Lord, asking for His guidance and help. Then, I went to this verse.

Nehemiah turned his sorrow into fasting and prayer, and I believe that this example is the guidance that God wanted to give me right now.

Therefore, I will continue to bring these cares and sorrows before the Lord in prayer, and begin fasting. For where there is much prayer, there is much power.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 51:17

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

December 15, 2011

mercy.

“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:13

Thank you Lord!! Mercy forever triumphs over judgment. His mercies are new every morning and His forgiveness is unending, because of what Jesus did on the cross.

However, judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. It's like the parable of the man and the king. The king forgave his debt, which was very large. But, when the man's servant owed him a small amount, he did not forgive him but punished him severely. When the king heard of it, he called the man and threw him in prison.

It's the same with our God. We have been forgiven a huge debt, one that earned us death. Yet, Jesus died in our place, and God forgave us and made us His sons and daughters. How can we then go and fail to forgive others, when they trespass against us in much smaller ways? One of the lines in the Lord's prayer is, “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Do we really mean those words? If God forgave us to the same degree that we forgave others, would we even be forgiven at all?

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.

God's mercies are new every morning, and I want mine to be, too. We all need grace. I will daily ask the Lord to give me a renewed outlook on those around me and in my household, so that I the way I act towards them today will not be a reflection of the things that they did against me yesterday. “...lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.”

scandal.

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY,” also said, “DO NOT COMMIT MURDER.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.” James 2:10-11

This verse is clear. All of us have sinned and broken God's laws. In fact, we're guilty of breaking it all. Why, then, do we sit and compare ourselves to others? “You know, I've done some bad things, but I'm still not as bad as that guy.” “Yes, I've lied a few times, disobeyed my parents, but I've never stolen anything, so I'm not THAT bad.” Or, my personal favorite, “I haven't murdered or robbed a bank, so that makes me a basically good person. God has to let me into Heaven...right?”

Wrong. We don't go to Heaven because we are “good people.” If this verse in James wasn't clear enough, the Bible also says that even our very best works are filthy rags compared to God. None of us is better than another. The only way to Heaven is by the grace of God, and His grace alone.

Jesus Christ died on the cross because we are have all broken the law. We all have sinned and thus fallen short of His glory, and the wages of those sins is death. Yet His own precious blood was our atonement. Murders, adulterers, liars, thieves.. all of these words describes each one of us.

If you don't know Jesus, I pray that as you read this that these words would ring true in your heart, and that you would be overwhelmed by the love of God and our great need for Him as our Savior. I pray the same for those of you who know Him already.

For myself, I need to have this reminder on my heart: that I am where I am by the grace of God alone. Nothing I have done, nor anything that I will ever do, has brought me here, given me life, or has saved me. I am in no position to compare myself to others, judging their sins as worse or more detrimental than my own. I am a transgressor of the entire law: a murderer, adulterer, liar, and a thief, saved by grace.

For.the.glory.of.my.God. <3

kingly.

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.” James 2:8

Royal. I found it interesting that James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, used this word. I could be wrong, but I don't recall any other law being labeled as such. The Greek word is basilikos, which most commonly means “of or belonging to a king.”

I serve the King of kings, the Ruler of all things. What better way to love and serve Him, than by following the kingly law: loving and serving others?

This past week, this has meant building a Christmas village, curling endless amounts of ribbon, serving 400 people dinner four nights in a row, ironing over 200 tablecloths, cleaning a boys' bathroom with powdered shampoo and sandpaper, constantly embarrassing myself while trying to communicate effectively in Spanish, wearing a bow-tie, learning two Christmas dances, and a myriad of other things.

Tomorrow, it may mean something completely different.

Whatever it may be, I need to remember

that in doing so, I am serving the King of kings,

Whom I love, and Who has first loved me.

a beautiful inheritance.

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” James 2:5

The poor of this world truly are the rich in faith. These are the words I hear most after someone has gone on their first missions trip. They soon find that those who they would assume to be unhappy because of their physical circumstances, have the most joy because of the state that their spirit is in. They are truly rich in faith. I saw firsthand that this is true the first time that I went to Mexico when I was twelve, and everyday as I'm living here in El Salvador.

My friend Gabe Shippam lives in downtown San Diego, serving the urban poor and homeless. He writes his experiences in ministry and insights in a blog, which he titled: .poor is beautiful. (poorisbeautiful.blogspot.com).  Oh how true this is! The hearts and spirits of the poor are the most pure, lovely, joyful, and beautiful. They truly are the rich in faith.

One night, as I was serving with Gabe at a community meal, he spoke about inheritance. He was referring back to the Old Testament, when the LORD was giving portions to the twelve tribes of Israel. When God spoke to the Levites, He told them that they would have none on earth, for He Himself would be their portion and inheritance. Oh how great that is! In the eyes of the world, this tribe was poor and unfortunate. However, they would be the most rich in faith, for the God of the universe was their portion and the provision for all of their needs.

The same has been true in my life. Proverbs 30:8-9 says, “...Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'...” I am so grateful that up until now, God has only dealt with me in this way. By the standards of American culture, I would be considered poor. I always have been. However, I am never left in want. God has always provided what I need, just in time. He alone is my portion and inheritance. Because He has done this, I have great faith that He will continue to provide for me in the future. Even though life would see easier if I had money and provision laid out for me in advance, I am grateful that I do not, because I am becoming more and more rich in faith every time He provides in another way. I wouldn't trade that for any earthly inheritance.

Recently, a lot of new expenses have come up here in El Salvador. I do not know how God will provide the finances, but I do know that He will. Therefore, I will continue to dwell on His past faithfulness, and trust Him with the future.

Lord, thank you for always providing. Continue to give me only what I need, lest I become rich and forget about my precious God. Please increase my faith. You alone are my portion and inheritance, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Psalm 16:5-6 || “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” ♥

thoughts.

“For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:2-4

Evil thoughts. That's it, isn't it? Every action, good or bad, begins with our thoughts. Partiality is simply an overflow of what is already going on in our minds. The same is true of everything else that we do.

As I'm working and living with my team, I will strive to believe the best, instead of assuming the worst. Then, the war will have been won within my thoughts, before it ever even hits the battle ground with others.

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

hands.

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” James 2:1

The English word “partiality” in this verse is translated from the Greek word prosōpolēmpsia, which, in Biblical usage, can be defined in this way:

"The fault of one who when called on to give judgment has respect of the outward circumstances of man and not to their intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, one who is rich, high born, or powerful, to another who does not have these qualities."

How often we show favor to someone based on their outward appearances, instead of their inward qualities? This is not what our Lord does at all. He Himself said that “man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Oh, how true that is.

Another version of the Bible phrased James 2:1 differently. It says, “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (NLT) Ouch. That one hits home.

For me, it definitely does, but literally. As a team of nine people here serving in El Salvador, why is it so hard to serve each other inside our home? In a way, we are showing partiality. We subconsciously view serving the boys in the orphanage in San Martin, those at central church, or the kids in the after-school programs as more noble or important than serving the others on our team.

At this point, we have all recognized that we are failing in this, one way or another. God has begun the heart change. We have even acted on it, and I believe we all have been stepping up a lot more to serve one another lately. However, we cannot lose heart, nor grow weary or lazy in doing good within our own household.

This verse was a great reminder, and I will strive to make the connection from my heart to my hands, and live out what the Lord is showing me. I will continue to look for opportunities to serve those on my team, and have a loving and willing heart while doing so.

Lord, continue to build in me a deeper servant's heart, one that does not show partiality.

"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

why.

 

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

This is my favorite verse in the Bible; the one that I live by. Some would call it my life verse.

With that being said, there's so much I can say about it. I could probably write pages and pages. However, what practical application can I take for my life, here, today?

I am here in El Salvador to love God by doing just this. To visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep myself unstained by the world. However, amid the busy-ness, sickness, work, joy, and exhaustion that a day here may bring, I often forget this. I forget why I'm enduring all this. I forget that because God has called me here, Satan is doing all he can to get me to give up. I forget that God never promised it would be easy.

I am going to make a conscious effort to remind myself of why I'm here. When I am digging, raking, playing with kids, laying in bed sick, planning VBS, enduring headaches, cooking a meal, practicing Spanish, cleaning, or anything else, I will look to the Lord and remember this verse: I am doing all these things so that I may love the loveless as He does, and remain unspotted by the things of this world. James 1:27; it's what I'm living for.

and it's all worth it.

Santiago 1:27

"La religión pura y sin mácula delante de Dios y Padre es esta: Visitar los huérfanos y las viudas en sus tribulaciones, y guardarse sin mancha de este mundo."

hot air.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26

In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrased this verse (and the following) in this way:

"Anyone who sets himself up as “religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world."

I do not want my words to contradict my faith, character, or actions. My life should by the primary evidence of my faith, not my words. Therefore, I will seek to be intentional in what I say, and strive to be slow to speak. I will ask my Father to set a guard over my mouth, and keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3), so that I do not set my self up as “religious” by “talking a good game”.

I want to be set aflame by His fire, and not my own hot air.

 “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Prov. 13:3

1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

mirror.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:23-25

In studying this verse, God has shown me a lot. However, the word that strikes me the most in this passage is “perseveres”.

When God reveals something about our character or heart that we need to change, it truly takes perseverance to do it. It is far easier to let it go, forget about it, or put no thought into how to do so. It gets tough and we become weary, because the very thing we are trying to change is contrary to our flesh and hard for us to do.

This past month, my Father has been further shaping my heart and revealing things that He wants to change in me. He has picked me up and placed me in front of the mirror, allowing me to see my natural face. Now it is my responsibility, in His strength, to be a doer and not just a hearer.

I will continue to pray for perseverance and ask for accountability, so that I may not forget what I am like. Instead, I will look into the perfect law of liberty and persevere, so that I may be blessed in all my doing.

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

just do it.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22

This verse reminded of an analogy that a speaker used once at Potter's Field Ranch. They were talking about Americans and diets. They said that some people will get all fired up about losing weight, so they will buy the diet book, a gym membership, workout clothes, make a healthy eating plan, and start drinking more water. Then, because they did all these things, they feel better and healthier. They think that they have already done something and feel good about themselves, even though, in reality, they have done nothing. By the next week, the book is lost, they haven't gone to the gym, their new clothes still have the tags on them, they went to McDonald's twice, and got super-sized shakes instead of water... both times.
The same is true with the Word. We'll go to church to hear it preached, talk about it with others, buy T-Shirts and bumper stickers with verses on them, and even do our devotions in the morning. In so doing, we feel like we have already accomplished something. However, James wrote that we are merely “deceiving ourselves.” We must not only hear the Word, we must act on it.
This is especially applicable to me here in El Salvador, because I simply do not get the Word as often. The sermons are in Spanish, so I only understand about 75% of what is said. Therefore, I need to be more diligent in living out what I am learning through my devotions.
I want to be a doer, and not just merely a hearer. Therefore, I will look for practical applications in my devotional reading. I will also seek out accountability in them, so that I may grow and have my Father mold my heart and life into one that He desires.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your old heart of stone and give you a new heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and help you to keep my laws."

melodies.

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21

At the Central American Pastor's Conference this week, Don McClure told a story that reminded me of this verse.
An inventor created a violin, and it was the most beautiful sounding violin in all the world. People would travel for miles just to hear one, and they were very expensive. A man sold everything he had to buy one, and started playing on street corners. At the end of every performance, the applause would be great. However, he knew that they were merely applauding the violin, and not his talent. He became jealous of his violin. One day, at the end of his performance, with the applause resounding in the air, the man raised his violin over his head, and smashed it on the ground. The crowd gasped. He then reached behind him, pulled out another violin, and held it in his two hands. “This,” he said, “is the famous, beloved violin that you all came to hear. The one that you are applauding for was purchased for twenty dollars.” The crowd was silenced. The applause was then for his music and talent, not for the violin. The music was just as beautiful coming from his hands playing the famous violin, as it was when he performed with the twenty dollar one.
The Word of God is priceless. It is far more beautiful and precious than any music. Yet, how often do we judge its source rather than it's content? I am often reluctant to hear the Word from someone who I think has alternate motives, a wrong heart, pride, or who has wronged me. However, Paul did not see it this way. He wrote, “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will... But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” (Philippians 1:15,18).
I need to sincerely live out this verse in James and receive the Word in meekness and humility, before God and before the messenger. Instead of focusing on their motives, I need to search my own heart. I no longer want to allow the instrument to keep me from His beautiful melodies.

Lord, change my heart.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

righteousness.

“Know this, my beloved brothers; let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

Living in a house with eight other people, this is an extremely applicable verse. There is always someone who has something to say, someone who isn't listening, and, often, someone who is angry. I have found all three to be true at times on my part, as well as in those around me during the three weeks we've been here in El Salvador.

It is very difficult to live with a group of people when you are not heard, and tiring to be around someone who constantly speaks but will not listen. It is also almost impossible to live together if someone is very quick to become angry, and these things do not achieve the righteousness of God.
How can we be effective missionaries and servants to the people of this country if we cannot even produce righteousness in our own household?
Today, I will seek to listen intently and speak sparingly, while believing the best in those around me instead of assuming the worst, so that I may be slow to become angry.

“If one gives an answer before he hears,

it is his folly and his shame.” Proverbs 18:13

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Proverbs 29:20

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!”

Psalm 133:1

burn.

“For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:7-8

This verse about the doubting man reminds me of the situation in Acts 12. Peter was imprisoned, and the church was earnestly praying to God on his behalf. Peter was miraculously freed from prison by an angel in the night. When he realized that he was no longer in chains (for he previously thought that he was merely seeing a vision), Peter went to a house where many people had gathered and were praying. Rhonda, a servant girl, came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” Yet instead of being overjoyed as well, the people who were praying told Rhonda that she was out of her mind. Finally, she convinced them to look themselves, and the Bible says that those who were praying were “astonished” to see Peter at their door.
How often do we same the same mindset? We'll ask the Lord for something, and then be “astonished” when he actually gives it to us. I believe this is what James was talking about when he wrote these two verses. The man that doubts God when he asks for wisdom is double-minded and unstable, for he does not have faith that His Father will answer his prayer.
Throughout Ignite, I have been constantly praying that God would change me, stretch me, mold me, and shape me into who He wants me to be. I have prayed for Him to further break my heart for what breaks His, and make me more like His Son. Overall, my prayer has been that He would set me on fire so that the world may catch the flame, be set ablaze, and glorify our Father who is in Heaven.
Why then, did I not expect to be burned? Did I not think that He would actually answer my prayer and fan the flame in my heart? I do not want to be “unstable in all my ways”. I need to constantly remember that in order to be on fire, it is going to hurt. I will be scorched and burned as a living sacrifice on the altar of my God. However, I will rejoice in His faithfulness to hear my cry, and take courage. For among the flames is a heart that is being further transformed into one like His.

2 Timothy 4:5

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

wisdom&faith.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6

This verse speaks of two things that I deeply desire: wisdom and faith. It is vitally important to have both if I am going to accomplish anything with my Jesus for our Father's purposes. God promises to give us wisdom when we ask, but He also says that a man without faith can be easily shaken.
Sometimes I find myself becoming content with the amount of wisdom or faith that I already have, and I stop asking God for more. Yet this state of mind is a dangerous one to be in. If I am content or even complacent with the place that I'm at, I will stop growing and being effective for the Kingdom.
I do not want to waste my life, nor my time here in El Salvador. Therefore, I will daily ask the Lord for more wisdom. I will also continually cry out, as a father did in Mark 9, “I believe; help my unbelief!” For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Philippians 3:12

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own."

endurance.

“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4

The Greek word telios is translated as “perfect” when related to a sacrificial animal, meaning that it was fit to be offered as a sacrifice to God. Now, in James, the same word is used to describe us when we “let endurance have its perfect result.” I desire nothing less for my life than for it to be a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. I am no longer my own, for I have been bought by the precious blood of the only perfect Lamb. I want to be more like my Savior in this, and lay down my own life, as He did, for the purposes of our Father. However, in order to be an offering that is fit for the Lord, I need to have endurance. As seen in the previous two verses, this only comes from hardships and trials. Therefore, I need to persevere through the difficulties so that I may continue to bless my Father's heart.

Here in El Salvador, I will be nothing but ineffective if I am not constantly a blazing sacrifice on the altar of my God. How can I expect to be a blessing to the people of El Salvador if I cannot even bless my own Savior by enduring the most trivial difficulties? Therefore, I will take heart, and look to Him alone for the strength to persevere.

1 Peter 5:10

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

gozo.

“My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3

"Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials."

"Faith that cannot be shaken is a faith that has been shaken.”

I saw these quotes on facebook today, and they both reminded me of these two verses in James. I've been thinking a lot about the testing and hardships I've previously endured that have prepared me for what I am doing now in El Salvador. God truly does see the whole picture, from beginning to end, and graciously prepares me for the road ahead. I also know that I will face many trials while I'm here, but I know my God is just as faithful now as He has been my whole life. The reason I can rejoice in hard times is because they have, and always will, result in great victories and stronger faith for the future. I need to constantly remember this, and rejoice all the more when it gets difficult.

Isaiah 41:10

 "Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your
God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
victorious right hand."

siervo.

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.” James 1:1

Scholars agree that the same James who wrote this book was also the half-brother of Jesus, which sheds a powerful light on this first verse. James called his own brother Lord, and deemed himself His bond-servant. Who would do that? In the eyes of the world, this makes absolutely no sense. However, James did so because he had a different perspective: he knew he was not only serving man, but God.          
Today, some of the team and I were at La Capilla (church) organizing and cleaning different rooms. A lot of the ways in which we were doing things simply didn't make sense to us. I know that this will happen a lot during the next six months, and I need to have the same mindset as James did. Even though some of what I will be doing will not make sense, I need to keep in mind that I am ultimately serving God. It is His work that I am called here to do. Therefore, I will do all things without grumbling or questioning, that I may be blameless and innocent, a child of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom I shine as a light in the world (Philippians 2:14-15). He is my Lord and I am forever His bond-servant.

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

the first day.

El Salvador.
I'm here. Great team. Beautiful house. Pouring Rain. AMAZING GOD.

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15

Today was the first full day, and we had orientation with Trevor, Erika, and Violeta, three overseers of our team. We also went to a few stores.
Tomorrow we will go to El Centro for the first time, which is the main church.
This is the beginning of my life for the next six months. I do not know what my God will do, but it will be far beyond what I can imagine.

the last day.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

Praise be to God for His promises! This is the complete opposite of what I deserve, for I am sinful and selfish in my flesh. However, my God has deemed me worthy because I have been washed white by the blood of Christ. Again, what an amazing scandal of grace!

As I seek His beautiful face, goodness and mercy truly will follow me all the days of my life. Whether this is today in Montana, the next six months in El Salvador, back home, or wherever else He may call me, the Lord is always with me. He is goodness and mercy; my portion and all I need forever.

However, this promise does not end here on earth! After these days of my life are over, I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. As today is my last day here at Potter's Field Ranch, this promise is my greatest comfort. The interns that started the program with me in July are being sent out all over the world, to Uganda, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. I will be leaving the staff, who have had such a huge impact on my life these past three months. Also, as I depart to El Salvador, there are some interns who are still here that entered the program later than my class did. God has given me such a deep love for them already, and they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. It truly pains me to think that I may never see them again here on earth. This is why this verse is so dear to my heart today. The promise is that I will dwell in the house of my God forever, with everyone that I have met here and grown to love so much. Even if I do not see them again while we are alive, I will spend eternity with them in heaven.

Overall, I need to remember this verse wherever my Jesus may lead me. Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and all His disciples that I have met and will meet will spend eternity with me in the house of our God. Oh what a great comfort this is!

As I leave the Ranch tonight and get on a plane tomorrow to leave Montana, I will be in constant prayer for my brothers and sisters, and praise God for His amazing promises. He is faithful.

Colossians 3:1-4

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

protection and provision.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). If my God can prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies, He surely is my mighty protector and the shield of my entire life. His perfect love casts out all fear. I have no reason to be afraid as I go to El Salvador, or anywhere else that His strong hand may lead me.

Not only is the table set in the midst of chaos, but my cup truly does overflow. My heavenly Father is constantly blessing me far more than I deserve, and I have no reason to doubt His future provision. I need to continue to trust Him to supply every need while I'm in El Salvador, and for the rest of my life. I do not know how He will do it, but I am confident that my God will provide. He is faithful.

Hebrews 13:5-6

“...He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

So we can confidently say, 'The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear. What can man do to me?'”

Psalm 84:11

“For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory.

No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

victory.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

In this season of my life, I've been on the mountaintop- literally. I've been at Potter's Field Ranch in Montana, surrounded by the beauty of my God. I'm so close to Him, filled with joy at the mere mention of His name. He is revealing more of Himself to me daily and has been constantly speaking to my heart.

I only have a few days left here at the Ranch, and this season is coming to a close. I am descending from the mountaintop and entering into a valley of darkness, so that the fire that is burning inside of me may light up the world.

When I walk through this valley, I need to remember that I am not walking through death, but through it's shadow. A shadow always makes something look a lot darker, scarier, and bigger than it actually is. In reality, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) It has no power over me! If my God is for me, can anything stand against me? No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us! (Romans 8:31, 37)

However, I know that it will still be difficult. I have an active enemy who sees me as a threat, so he will do all he can to try to steal, kill, and destroy my life. What then, will be my comfort in these times? Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. A shepherd's rod and staff are tools of discipline and correction. So why would David write that they are his comfort? “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Here at the Ranch, my heavenly Father has corrected and disciplined me. In the moment it was painful and sorrowful, but joy came in the morning, and it has simply served to further shape my character into an image that reflects his own heart. In this reproof of His rod and staff, my wandering heart is greatly comforted.

Don't doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.

As I walk beneath shadows, I will remember the comfort of my Potter's hands, as he has been correcting and disciplining me to make me more like Him. I will continually look to my Savior and take heart, for He has overcome the world. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Psalm 18:28-30

“For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God – his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

eighteen.

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Psalm 23:3

When I think about how God has orchestrated my past and has planned my future, I am awestruck and overwhelmed by amazement. He has divinely appointed my life, and knew me before the foundations of the world.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart.” How true is this! God knew my name before I was even a thought in my parents' minds. 18 years ago today I was born, and He had bigger plans for me than anyone could have ever imagined. He loved me more than I could ever know, before I could even know His name.

God then took a dirty, poor, broken little six year old girl and called her to Himself. I fell in love with Jesus. All of the statistics in the world said that I would end up as an addict, teenage mother, and felon because of where I have come from. But my Jesus looked into my eyes and said, “Little child, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

“I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” I praise God for all of the ways that He has used me and worked through me these past 18 years, and I am in wonder and anticipation for how He is going to use me in the future. I am going to El Salvador for the next six months, because God has created me to be salt and light and has called me to the nations. I do not know what He will continue to make of me, for I am only clay in my Potter's hands, but I am confident that it will be far greater than my deepest dreams and desires.

Overall, my God has led me in paths of righteousness. They are narrow and rough, for they pass through fire and require sifting as wheat. However, they bear the fruit of greatest joy. I am led, tested, and tried for His name's sake and glory. I also know that future hardships will come. Yet when it seems overwhelming and too much to handle, I need to remember His great faithfulness and how He has been with me throughout my entire life.

“Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,' declares the LORD.” Yes Lord. I am young, but I will be obedient. I will not fear, for you are with me to deliver me.

Where You go, I'll go. When You stay, I'll stay. With this life I lose, I will follow You.

Romans 10:15

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent?

As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'”

[Jeremiah 1:5-8]

September 27, 2011

rest.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2

Over and over again in the Bible, God commands His people to be still.

When He rained manna from heaven for the Israelites in the desert, God told them to only gather the day's portion and not to gather on the seventh day. However, they were disobedient and did it anyways. God promised that they would be completely provided for, but they simply did not trust Him.

David wrote, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” God makes us rest. Wouldn't we want to do that on our own? This seems strange, but it is because our Father knows that this is a hard thing for us to do. Just as the Isrealites didn't trust God enough to rest, we like to do things on our own. It's tough for us, as humans, to refrain from work for even one day. This is why He commands us to rest. Oh, what a good shepherd we have!

In Scripture, this command almost always comes with a promise. “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24). “Cease striving, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him...” (Psalm 37:7) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). “It is in vain that you rise up early and retire late, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)

The only way we can lie down in peace and be led beside waters of rest, is when we take these promises (as well as the countless others in Scripture) to heart and trust in our God. I believe this is why David began this psalm with the words, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Our anxious strivings and best works are filthy rags compared to what our Savior can do when we abide in Him.

Where God guides, He provides. In this season of my life, I especially need to trust the Lord to provide. He has called me to El Salvador, and I'm going within the next few weeks. However, it is truly a leap of faith, in which I have to trust Him to supply every need as I obediently go. He has promised to, and my Jesus is faithful, so I simply need to rest in Him. Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. He is the strength of my heart and all I need forever.

Philippians 4:19

“And my God will supply all your needs, according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 37:3-5

“Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in Him, and He will do it.

umbrellas.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing I sent it for.” Isaiah 55:10-11

Often when we preach the word, we want to see immediate change. We want people to alter their ways, renounce sin, take up a ministry, step out in faith, or just respond to the message.

This is also true when we speak the truth in love. We too often expect the person to change right away as we approach them about something, when this is not always the case.

It is by God's might that souls are saved, not by our own power. It is also the Holy Spirit's role to convict, and not ours. Jesus came to earth and was crucified for us; we can never do more than that. It is His kindness that leads hearts to repentance.

It is God who forms clouds and causes the rain to come down on both the righteous and the ungodly. We cannot make it rain, no matter how hard we try. Our role is to simply lead others to lay down their umbrellas. If they continue to seek cover from its downpour, we then continue to pray and seek the Lord to draw them back out into the glowing streets.

God's promise is that His word will not return void. However, we need to lay down our own expectations of what it should accomplish. It is His purposes that it is sent out for, and that is what will be accomplished.

As we dance in the rain, we should be calling out from the streets and taking others by the hand, inviting them to join in the sweet fellowship of our Savior. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that our Jesus is Lord. Until then, we need to continue to fan the flame of faith in our hearts, so that umbrellas will be burned up in its fire to allow the rain to refresh weary souls.

As I go to El Salvador, I need to keep this in mind. It is not my own might or determination that will save souls, but the kindness of my Savior. I cannot take the job of the Holy Spirit and convict hearts. I need to daily surrender and admit that I am weak, so that His strength may be perfected in me. His word will not return void.

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

higher.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

This verse reminds me of my good friend Austen Payan, and a conversation we had in January. I was telling him of a car accident that I was in on Christmas, and what God did through it. Someone ran into me while I was at a stoplight, and basically destroyed the back of my car. I remember thinking, “Really God? My car was just fixed, and I don't need another problem with it.” When I filed the insurance claim, they had to give me about $2,000. As I was taking the money to go and get my car fixed, someone in the church told me that they wanted to bless me and fix my car for free! As a result, that money went straight into my account for Potter's Field. As I was telling Austen all of this, I sarcastically said, “It's like God was saying, 'Jaymi you're dumb! Just watch what I'm going to do with this!'” We then found this verse, which birthed the phrase “You're dumb/Just watch. Isaiah 55:8-9”.

His ways are higher than mine. I had been praying for God to provide for me to come here to Potter's Field, and He answered in a way that was beyond my understanding and radically different from the way I expected. In comparison to His thoughts, I truly know nothing.

God will work in ways that are beyond our expectations, imaginations, and strength, so that we will know that it is truly Him who does it, and not ourselves. As a result, I want to stay close to His heart and abide in Him, so that I may serve my Jesus and bear fruit. I can do nothing on my own. I will continue to take delight in His ways and trust Him when it doesn't make sense. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than my ways and His thoughts than my thoughts.

[[You're dumb/Just watch. Isaiah 55:8-9]]

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

change.

“'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways,' declares the LORD.”

Isaiah 55:8

Last night at chapel, it was commissioning for all of the teams that are soon departing to the mission field. Each of the interns was asked to answer a question during the service. When it was my turn, I was asked “What was your main reason for coming to Potter's Field Ranch? Do you still believe that this is why the Lord had you come?”

My answer reminded me of this verse. I came here, honestly, just wanting to get on the field. I have a passion for foreign missions, and I really just wanted to go. I was looking forward to the classes and preparation, but really I was just waiting for the first three months to be over so that I could fly to El Salvador and share the love of Christ with the kids and the church there.

I now realize that God brought me here to Montana to draw me to Himself. I am closer to Him, and more broken for His people. I have a deeper servant's heart and a more gentle spirit, as well as so many other things as a result of coming here. God has used these three months to prepare me for a future life of ministry and missions, and fan the flame of passion that was already burning in my heart.

After chapel last night, Pastor Mike Rozell came to me and said, “Jaymi, you got everything out of this that you were supposed to. You didn't miss it. You came wanting to change the world, but God wanted to change your heart.”

His thoughts truly are not my thoughts, neither are His ways my ways. I still want God to use me to leave an impact on the world for His glory, but He has done much more than deepen that desire in me. My heart has been further broken, molded, and changed in the Potter's hands. I am merely clay, who has no understanding of what He is doing, nor of what He will make of me. In the center of the Potter's wheel, in the center of His will, is where I want to be. I will continue to seek my Jesus with my whole heart, and trust Him with my future.

Forever my love, forever my heart, forever my life is Yours, Lord.

Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

September 21, 2011

compassion.

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

“If I have not compassion on my fellow-servant, even as my Lord had pity on me,

then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

Amy Carmichael

My God has shown me grace and compassion in abundance. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly... God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6,8)

Well, this was the start of my Inductive Bible Study entry for today. I was going to write about how we should have a heart of compassion, modeled after Christ's. But, as I was writing this, God gave me an opportunity to live it out.

After I sat down to write this blog, another intern came up and sat beside me. I set aside my laptop and we started talking. I was able to pray with her and encourage her in some things she was going through. Ironically, the conversation ended with us talking about compassion. She said that there was nothing that she loved more than sitting with someone and listening, crying with them and then laughing with them as they grew together. I told her that it was definitely a gift from the Lord, because compassion is defined when we “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). When we were done talking, class started, and she apologized and said “Oh, I'm sorry I kept you from writing.” I quickly told her, “This right here is way more important.”

There was nothing I would have rather done this morning than be with my sister in the Lord to listen, encourage, and pray with her. God has placed her so near to my heart and it was an honor to be able to show His compassion to her.

This is a little sliver of Calvary love. However, when I put my own interests above the interests of others, then I have forgotten the precious price that my Savior paid for me on the cross. He is my all in all, far worthy of all that I am. He has shown my heart great compassion, and my sin He has abundantly pardoned. Therefore, I will continue to look for opportunities to develop a deeper heart of compassion. Jesus, make me more like you.

Ephesians 5:1-2

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

rocket science.

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.”
Isaiah 55:6

I went to summer and winter camps with my church all throughout junior high and high school. After an amazing week with the Lord, my youth pastor, John Hoffman, would speak to all of the students during breakfast on the last day. It became known as the famous “Rocket Science” speech. He would say that we feel close to the Lord now, but it's not the mountain air, something in the water, or the high elevation that caused that. It was simply that we removed all distractions and sought the Lord. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. It's not rocket science.

Here at Potter's Field Ranch, Jesus is so near... and it's not rocket science. I'm also surrounded by beauty, with misty fog over the lake in the morning and bright stars at night. I'm away from all the distractions of school and work, and I'm deliberately here to seek the Lord. He is close and may be found. There are constantly moments in which I feel like my heart is going to burst because I'm so deeply and madly in love with Him. It's hard to explain, but there is truly nothing more precious than when all of my delight is in the Lord.

Oh how I long for these moments. My soul is constantly in thirst for the sweet and intimate fellowship that comes from being alone with my Jesus. However, I know that this will be a struggle to find after I leave Montana. It is in these times that I will need to continue to diligently seek Him, and fight for time alone with Him.

I realize that this is a very precious season of my life, and I may never have it again. Therefore, I will continue to seek the LORD while he may be found in the beauty of this place. I will call upon him while he is near, and so evident in everything that I see. And when it becomes a greater battle, I will fight all the more.

Psalm 42:1-2

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul longs for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the the living God. When shall I come and appear before my God?”

Psalm 63:1-4

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in your sanctuary, beholding your power and your glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips shall praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; In your name I will lift up my hands.”

September 19, 2011

called.

“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty.'” Luke 17:10

            A good father would lay down his life for his children. A loving husband would die for his wife. But would a master lay down his life for a slave? Or a king for his servant?

            I am an unworthy servant of the Most High God. He is my master, and I am his bond-slave. Who am I, then, that He would lay down His own life for me?

            “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'” (Romans 8:15) I am not only His servant, but He has made me His daughter. Yet, even before I was adopted by Him, Christ died so that I may one day receive that Spirit of adoption. God made me, an unworthy servant, a fellow heir with His Son.

            “'And in that day,' declares the LORD, 'you will call me 'My Husband,' and no longer will you call me, 'My Master.'” (Hosea 2:16) I am in the body of Christ and, therefore, His bride. “...Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25). My Jesus gave up own his life for me, just as a husband might give up his life for his wife.

            Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King should die for me? I am simply an unworthy servant. What an amazing scandal of grace!

            Amazing love, how I know it's true, and it's my joy to honor You in all I do. When I remember this, that I am but an unworthy servant, yet was made a daughter and a bride and deemed worthy of His own precious blood, there is nothing that I would rather do with my life than serve Him.

            We often have defining moments in our lives, and last night was one of mine. As Pastor John Randall was speaking, I realized that there is nothing in this world that I would be content doing other than full-time ministry. The possibilities of careers and everything else ran through my mind, but none of them would sit right with me. They were all filled with discontentment. What I had previously doubted I then knew with all assurance. I wrote in the front of my Bible,

“I know that I know that I am called to full-time ministry. September 15, 2011.”

            I'm truly excited for my life. Every day is an adventure with my Jesus, and I have no idea where He is going to take me next. In the midst of uncertainty, His perfect love casts out all fear for the future. For I know that the same God who made me daughter and bride will take this heart of an unworthy servant and use it in ways that I can't even imagine. I will continue to trust him with my life, because He alone is worthy.

Jeremiah 1:4-8

“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' Then I said, 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,' declares the LORD.”

September 16, 2011

glory.

“Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?” Luke 17:9

If a master commanded his slave to do something and they did it, he probably would not praise him, because the slave had simply done what was commanded. The slave also would not expect to be thanked by his master, for he was only doing what he was told to do.

As Christians, we consider ourselves bond-servants and slaves of Jesus Christ. Why, then, do we so often expect thanks for what we do? When we are faithful in ministry, we expect someone to notice and reward us. When we go out of our way to help another person, we too often expect to be praised. When we aren't thanked while serving someone, we become indignant and our joy leaves us.

This should not be.

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16) Paul wrote this to the Corinthians, because he understood that nothing he does for the Kingdom is of himself. He had no grounds for boasting when he would preach the gospel, for he was under compulsion. There was nothing good or righteous in him that would have led him to do that; the love of Christ simply constrained him.

Similarly, there is nothing in ourselves that would lead us to do anything of worth for the name of the Lord Jesus.

It is not that I have a “good heart” or a strong will to help others, but the fact is that God has reached in and taken my messed up, sinful heart and washed it white with His blood. I am made righteous only by His grace. His love has compelled me. I am constrained by it. I couldn't have done that by myself.

Therefore, when I am praised in ministry, I need to stay in humility and give all the glory to God. When I am not thanked, noticed, or recognized, I need to remember that I am simply doing what I have been commanded, and I have no grounds for boasting, for I am under compulsion.

“I want to take Your Word and shine it all around

But first help me just to live it, Lord.

And when I'm doing well help me to never seek a crown

for my reward is bringing glory to You.”

Romans 6:17-18

“But thanks be to God, that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

September 15, 2011

the least of these.

“Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink?'” Luke 17:8

            This passage (Luke 17:7-10) speaks of the relationship between a servant and his master. When I came to this verse, I began to think about what it would look like for me, a bond-servant of the Most High God, to prepare supper for my King. I then thought about the parable in Matthew 25, when the Son of Man was separating the sheep and the goats. They questioned when they had seen the Lord in a position of need and had served Him. Jesus then replied, “Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to me.” (verse 40).
Win souls. Feed the hungry. Make disciples.

            This is the mission of Potter's Field Ministries. This is why I am here in Montana, at Potter's Field Ranch. This is why I am being sent to El Salvador in October, and I will be living there for six months. There, are precious little hearts that are hopeless, waiting for a Savior. There are tears on soft faces, waiting for a reason to have joy. There are hungry children, waiting for food that will last.

            My heart is to do all things for the glory of my Savior. When I serve the “least of these”, I am truly preparing supper for my King. When I meet those kids in El Salvador and show them love, I am truly loving Christ. For He Himself has said, “Whoever recieves one such child in my name recieves me.” (Matthew 18:5)

            However, I know that this will not be easy. I have an active enemy, who is seeking to destroy all that God is doing in and through my life. The Bible describes him as a “prowling lion, seeking someone to devour.” I will suffer. I will be persecuted. I will be attacked. Because of this, I need to put on the full armor of God, each and every day, so that I may stand firm against the devil. I know that my struggle is not against flesh and blood.

            I need to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. For when I am hungry and simply want to come in to eat, will I still prepare supper for my Jesus and serve Him while He eats? Will I put the needs of those that I serve above my own, as though I am serving Christ Himself? Yes, Lord, give me strength to do so. When it gets tough, help me to count it all joy that I may share in Your sufferings, that I may grow to know You so intimately in that sweet fellowship. I'd rather be in the fire with You, than outside of it without You; for You are far worthy of my service, my worship, my heart, and all of my life.

Matthew 10:42

“And whoever gives one of these little ones a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

           

 [until the whole world hears.]

September 14, 2011

selah.

“And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea' and it would obey you.'” Luke 17:6

In 1 Chronicles 14, the Philistines came up and made a raid against David and his army. After he was led to defeat them, David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore, he named the place Baal-perazim, which means “Lord of breaking through.” Soon after, the Philistines raided again, but this time, God did not command David to go up against them. Instead, He told him, “When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” and He did just that.

In the Bible, mulberry trees hold great meaning. They are derived from the Hebrew word Baca, which means “weeping.” In my life, they remind me of my childhood. When I was little, there was a huge mulberry tree in my backyard. I met Jesus when I was six-years-old, and it was hard because no one else in my family knew Him. There was constantly tension in my house, as a result of drugs, violence, and abuse. I was told I was being brainwashed by the church. When all of these things happened and I just needed to get away or cry, I would go in my backyard, and sit under the mulberry tree. There, it was just me and my Jesus.

Psalm 84:5-6 says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.” When we put our trust in Him, God promises to take our weeping and turns it into springs of joy.

Trials test faith, and refine it as gold in the fire. The LORD defeated the Philistines the first time, to increase the faith of David for the second battle. He also used the times of weeping in my childhood to increase and develop my faith for for future warfare.. As a result, my mulberry tree has been uprooted and cast into springs of joy, for my God has broken through like a flood.

Soon I will be going to El Salvador, where I will be serving and showing the love of Christ for the advancement of His Kingdom. I know that trials and hardship will come. In these times, I will remember how God has moved in the past. I will listen for the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees and go out to battle, confident that my God has gone before me. For I know that faith has uprooted my mulberry tree of weeping and planted it into a sea of joy, and it can accomplish even greater things in the future.

Acts 20:22, 24

“And now, behold, I am going... constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there... But none of these things move me; I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”